Vacation on Layaway?

With the current state of our economy, everyone is looking for ways to save money and weather any challenges that come our way. It's understandable that everyone is scrutinizing their spending and look for anything not essential.

For some of us (travel agent or not), travel is not only essential but a reward for the hard work we've put in all year, a time to bond on a family getaway or a way to escape the stress in our daily lives for a little while. However, you may be asking yourself "How do I afford it this year?". One option is putting your vacation on layaway!

Some tour operators and most of the cruise lines already have pricing loaded for a year to a year and a half in advance. Once you choose what you would like to do, you can put the trip on deposit ($200 per person on average). Your final payment would not be due until 60 days prior to departure, at the earliest. In the time between deposit and final payment, you can make payments on your vacation. It's kind of like buying your vacation on layaway!

Two of my specialties are honeymoons and destination weddings. These are often booked a year or more in advance, so many of my couples make payments on their honeymoons. This is a great option and it helps brides and grooms put their honeymoon vacation on layaway. They can guarantee what they want and it gives them the ability to pay over time rather than all at once.

Another thing to consider is that when you put a deposit on a future trip, all or most of your deposit and payments may be refundable, in case you need to cancel. Some operators may have a minimal cancel fee. Each tour operator or cruise line has their own policies and I make sure to outline them clearly when you book your trip so that you'll know what to expect if you will need to cancel.

Booking early is a great option, but what if the price goes down on your vacation on layaway after you are booked? Several tour operators have made price protection as a component of their insurance that you have an option to purchase so you won't have to worry about missing out on a deal that comes up. Also, a big part of my job as travel agent is to help you get the best price. I regularly check your booking to see if the price went down.

Contact me today with any questions about a vacation on layaway at lisa@traveldivalisa.com or call (330) 329-9178!!

Sandals Resorts Set to Drop the Royal Plantation Brand

The following is a reprint of an article from TravelPulse, a travel agent news source with the latest news about Sandals Resorts and the Royal Plantation resorts brand:

Published on: August 10, 2010

Sandals Resorts International (SRI) Chairman and founder Gordon “Butch” Stewart said that beginning Sept. 1, the Royal Plantation Collection brand will be retired and properties operating under the Royal Plantation banner will be folded into Sandals Resorts or operated independently. Stewart said the move has been in the works for the past year and is part of an overall strategic plan that began nearly a decade ago to elevate the Sandals Resorts experience.

“We have been on a long and determined journey for the last 10 years to develop Sandals Resorts into a true luxury product,” Stewart said. “When we introduced the Royal Plantation brand in 2000, it allowed us [Sandals Resorts International] to acquire properties, talent and practices that have now become part of the Sandals Resorts Luxury Included experience. Our reasons for a second brand no longer exist. Sandals Resorts defines luxury within our company. We are confident in our product and feel now is the time to bring the family together.”

Officially launched in 2006, Sandals Resorts’ Luxury Included concept was aimed at setting a new standard of luxury at Sandals Resorts, featuring better service and amenities, including suites with private plunge pools and Jacuzzis, exclusive dining options and partnerships with the London-based Guild of Professional English Butlers, Beringer Wines and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. In February 2010, Sandals introduced a 500-acre beachfront resort, Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas, as the first Sandals Resort offering butler service to all guests, a championship golf course designed by Greg Norman and a world-class marina.

As a part of the brand restructuring, Royal Plantation Ocho Rios, Jamaica will become Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and like all Sandals Resorts, will no longer offer an EP plan or accept singles. The resort will remain open during the transition and guest services will not be interrupted. Sandals Royal Plantation, which offers 74 oceanfront suites, joins sister property Sandals Emerald Bay in providing every couple with a professionally-trained butler during their stay and will embrace all of the amenities that Sandals Resorts is known for including a Red Lane Spa, gourmet a la carte dining and luxury accommodations.

With regard to the villas operating under the Royal Plantation brand, Royal Plantation Island, Exumas will revert to its original name, Fowl Cay Resort, while Royal Plantation Private Villas, located in Discovery Bay, Ocho Rios and Whitehouse, Jamaica, will retain its name. These properties will not become part of Sandals Resorts and will be marketed independently.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about Sandals Resorts, let me know! I am a Gold Certified Sandals Specialist! Contact me at lisa@traveldivalisa.com or call (330) 329-9178.

Travel agents vs. Internet travel agencies

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I have often been asked why booking with a travel agent is better than if you book on the internet. A while ago I wrote an article for Associated Content addressing this. My article also addresses the fact that you can benefit your local community rather than a "big box" store, i.e., a Mom n' Pop store vs. Wal-Mart, for example. You can read the full article at: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/427603/the_internet_vs_your_local_travel_agency.html.

Please let me know what you think of the article. I would love your feedback.

Please keep in mind also, when you are booking with a travel agent, you are dealing one on one rather than with numerous agents, often located outside the U.S. (should you get a human being) if you book online and need to call in with a question.

I recently had a client that found a lower priced package online than what I could find. In this rare instance, I could not match the price she found (normally I can do so without a problem). She decided to go with the online agency, however to get the price that she found, she actually had to be on the phone with them for 2 HOURS as the site kept coming up with errors.

My question is – what is your time worth? If she was booking with a travel agent, she would have been booked and done for about $100 more total rather than spending 2 HOURS on the phone to save this money. With me, she could have just paid a deposit and her final payment would be due 45 days prior to departure. With an online agency, you have to pay in full. What would you choose?

When you are booking with a travel agent, you build a relationship with your agent. Your agent learns what your likes and dislikes are and will find the right vacation for you based on this information. For my clients, I keep their needs at heart when working with them. Does a dot com travel agency do that for you?

For personalized service, email me at: divalisatravel@gmail.com!!